"What about a week in New Orleans?" by Joan Seymour

I was one of the team who didn't go gutting houses, but instead went out with the Mobile Respite Unit and made meals at the Dragon Cafe. I came away with the feeling that while people were grateful for the items we handed out, they needed to be able to express to us how they were feeling and tell us their story. Usually the person would thank us for coming from New York and then tell us what had been their experience. I think we helped them to feel that they were not totally abandoned and someone, somewhere cared about their situation. I was particularly struck by one person who had been given a trailer but it was still not hooked up to power and sewage, after three months.

Our chef at the Dragon Cafe was very glad to have our help also - he was very much appreciated by those who came for the dinner. There seemed to be many "regulars".

The entire experience made me wonder how I would respond in that situation - I am not sure that I would have been able to go back and see all my possessions destroyed. Both caregivers and recipients are totally burnt out and need some way of dealing with that stress. So any of you counselors out there?? What about a week in New Orleans?

Bundles of Hope

I want to take a moment to direct your attention towards a recently launched fundraising program of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. It's called Bundles of Hope, and it is essentially a monetary donation program that outlines for you what exactly X amount of dollars would afford the people of New Orleans.

For example, $10 is called a "Bundle of School Supplies." This donation provides school children with paper, pencils, erasers -- the basic necessities children require in order to carry on with their studies.

There are a variety of dollar amounts and corresponding "bundles" in this campaign, and you can even donate online by using your credit card. Additionally, if you'd like to give the donation as a gift in someone else's name, cards are available for download that will allow you to notify this person of your charitable act.

From a personal perspective, I find the work the Diocese is doing to be absolutely crucial at this time, and I know from experience that the money does actually go to help the residents of the New Orleans area. I cannot speak highly enough of the courage, passion, and dedication of the disaster relief volunteers and workers we encountered; they do so much for so many people, and they do it without question.

I encourage you to take a moment to donate, today.